Easy Bible・Amos 3

God's Judgment on Israel

Key Passages

About this Chapter

In Amos 3, God speaks through the prophet Amos to warn Israel of the impending judgment that will come upon them. The chapter begins with God declaring that He has chosen Israel as His people, and therefore, they will be held accountable for their actions. God asks a series of rhetorical questions to emphasize His point: 'Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?' (verse 3) and 'Does disaster come to a city unless the Lord has planned it?' (verse 6). The answers to these questions are obvious, highlighting the cause-and-effect relationship between God's judgment and Israel's disobedience. The key verse of this chapter is found in verse 7, where God reveals His secret to the prophets: 'Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.' This verse emphasizes the role of the prophets as messengers of God's will and His warning to the people. Through Amos, God is making His judgment known and giving Israel an opportunity to repent and turn back to Him. The chapter concludes with a vivid description of the destruction that will come upon Israel due to their sins. God declares that He will punish their altars, destroy their sanctuaries, and bring devastation upon their cities. Despite Israel's wealth and arrogance, they will be brought low and face the consequences of their disobedience. However, even in the midst of judgment, God offers a glimmer of hope, stating that He will not completely destroy the house of Jacob (verse 12). This serves as a reminder that God's judgment is ultimately for the purpose of discipline and restoration, rather than complete annihilation.